While Halloween is a fun & exciting time of year for you, your friends and your family, the holiday can pose a potential threat to your canine companion. Many of the most popular Halloween treats and candies are actually toxic to your pets. Our dog lovers at Club Fetch have compiled a short list of tips & tricks so that you can ensure that you and your dog are in for nothing other than a treat this Halloween!

1.Dog Treats Only: This one should be a no brainer, but be sure to hide any Halloween candy in a place that your dog cannot get to them. Chocolate, in any form, is very dangerous and can be life threatening for both dogs and cats. If you think that your furry friend may have consumed any Halloween candy, please contact your personal veterinarian, emergency vet or local SPCA in your town immediately.

2.Be Costume Savvy: Dogs may be easy going by nature, but not all dogs take well to being dressed up – especially in an over the top, heavy or constricting Halloween costume. When dressing up your pets, cat or dog, make sure that the costume does not limit their movement, vision or breathing. Tip: If you have a black dog or cat, be sure to keep them on a short leash or harness if you’re going to take them around the neighborhood as they can be subject to practical jokes due to superstitions this time of year.

3.Be Aware of Decorations: This may not be something that you initially think of as a threat to your dog. As with children, you shouldn’t leave your pets alone with Halloween (or any other kind of) decorations. The last thing you want is for your furry friend to accidentally knock over a lit jack-o-lantern and start a fire in your home.

4.Who’s Who? This one should be a no brainer at any time of year: identification. Whether your dog is microchipped or has ID tags on his or her collar or both, it is especially important to make sure that your dog can be identified during holidays and seasons of more traffic around your home. You may think that you have your dog perfectly trained, but it can take one small thing for them to chase after. Be smart this holiday season, and every other season; make sure your dog is always identifiable outside of your home.